Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday announced that he has awarded Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, with the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Honorary Sash.
"I am pleased to award the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Honorary Sash to Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Emirates," said Shaikh Mohammad.
The honouring of "the Mother of the Emirates" came as part of celebrations of Shaikh Mohammad's sixth accession day which was focused on mothers, reflecting the basis of the UAE society.
"Last year, we honoured orphans and today we want to honour mothers, the secret of our existence in this life," Shaikh Mohammad said through his account on Twitter@HHShkMohd.
Shaikh Mohammad also visited distinguished mothers and honoured them.
"Shaikha Fatima always stood by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, extended support for Emirati women, and brought up great leaders," he added.
Empowering women
"For three decades she worked towards supporting and empowering women in the UAE; she brought up great national and political leaders with achievements that the UAE is proud of," he said.
"Honouring Shaikha Fatima is not only my initiative; it comes from all Emiratis who have seen and lived her numerous achievements, especially Emirati women who are students, working mothers, and even orphans and special needs people. Her achievements had a massive effect on those segments of society, spanning decades of national work," he added.
Shaikha Fatima sponsors many philanthropic organisations in the country, such as the Red Crescent Authority and Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs.
Shaikha Fatima also played a key role in encouraging education for women, and gave special attention to a woman's role in society by establishing the Abu Dhabi Women's Association in 1973 as a representative for women in the UAE.
She was also responsible for unifying women's efforts and setting up the General Women's Union, which is responsible for projecting issues facing Emirati women, supporting their achievements and ambitions, and representing Emirati women in regional and international conferences.
Unwavering support
Shaikha Fatima also issued directives to set up the Family Development Foundation, in which she also assumes the role of Supreme Chairwoman.
With her unwavering support, the foundation works to ensure the rights of women and children by cooperating with organisations and authorities, implementing social legislation and submitting proposals for their development to ensure the rights of women and children. Shaikha Fatima's support also expands to the political field, stemming from her belief that women need to play an active and effective role on the political stage. Her efforts here are highlighted by her support for women running for Federal National Council elections. Shaikha Fatima issued directives to provide all necessary support for candidates, so that they can present their electoral programmes and interact with voters.
Shaikha Fatima's contributions have also touched the medical sector, as many health care services are provided for women and children in Famjly Development Foundation. The foundation also carries out health education and awareness campaigns for mothers, as well as national campaigns to drive forward the progress of women.
